Hobnail Collection

A happy hiker, Victorian period. Date: late 19th century

Omnibus nuisances. Caution to ladies who like to occupy the seat next to the door. A mans hobnail boots kick a woman on the head as his feet swing in from the window of the omnibus. Date: 1853

Making Hobnails - Scanned 1890 Engraving

British troops in India pretend to be rock-breaking convicts
British troops stationed in India having a bit of fun playing at being convicts! The caption " Ah (sic) we downhearted - roll on Oct"

Bootmakers in Cyprus
Making traditional Cypriot heavy boots in Cyprus Date: circa 1910s

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

Step into the Victorian era with a happy hiker, striding through the wilderness in boots fortified with sturdy hobnails. These metal studs, a necessity for navigating rugged terrain, were a common sight on the feet of intrepid explorers and working-class folk alike. But beware, omnibus passengers of the time. The seat next to the door was a popular spot for ladies, but the clanking of hobnails could make for an unpleasant journey. Back in the workshop, bootmakers meticulously hammered hobnails onto leather soles, ensuring each one was securely fastened for the long haul. British troops in India even used hobnails as a form of punishment, making convicts pretend to be rock-breaking laborers, their boots studded with the sharp metal to add an extra layer of hardship. Fast forward to Africa, in the present day Ghana, where the tradition boots lives on. Craftsmen continue to create these durable footwear pieces, a testament to the enduring legacy of this practical innovation. So, lace up your hobnailed boots and embark on your next adventure, knowing you're following in the footsteps of history.